From a photo taken from their Facebook page. Pictured is Tiger, the WCCAC facility dog. A team, called Tiger’s Trackers, captained by Melissa McLean Executive Director of WCCAC, is one of the many teams that have signed up.

A Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center fundraiser has a lot of miles to go before it reaches its $10,000 goal.

The center is hosting a January Miles Challenge to help support children and families impacted by trauma and abuse. The goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of the month. Those interested can walk, hike, run or anything else while accepting and then collecting pledges for the number of miles they travel. So far a total of 81 miles have been pledged with a total so far of $960 raised.

“So many times we hear people say they want to help, but don’t know how,” said Melissa McLean, Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center executive director. “This challenge is an easy way to get involved.”

The challenge is being held through Pledge It, an online fundraising platform. Participants commit to running, walking, or biking a set number of miles throughout January and invite friends, family, and community members to sponsor their efforts by pledging a donation for every mile completed. Sign ups will remain open for the whole month of January at https://charity.pledgeit.org/WarrenCountyCAC.

Individuals or teams sign up on the Pledge It platform, set their mileage goals, and share their personalized fundraising pages to collect pledges. For those who prefer not to pledge online, donations can also be made by sending a check directly to the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center. Donors can specify which team or participant they want to support, or they can make a general contribution to the fundraiser. The more miles participants complete, the more money is raised to support the work of advocacy center.

While the fundraiser is based in Warren, anyone from anywhere can participate or pledge since the platform is online.

“We encourage everyone – near or far – to join the challenge and support the children and families we serve,” McLean said. “All funds raised will directly support the vital work of the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center. Specifically, the money helps us provide services to children and families in Warren and Forest counties, including forensic interviews, family advocacy, prevention education, and our facility dog program with Tiger, who offers comfort and support to children during some of their toughest moments.”

In addition to benefiting local programs, money raised will help the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center reach accreditation through the National Children’s Alliance.

One of the teams who is involved with this challenge are called the “Pace Makers” made up of Caroline Johnson, Jackie Palmer, Jenny Phillips and Savannah Casey.

“The WCCAC does a lot of behind-the-scenes good for the youth of Warren County,” Casey said. “It’s a touchy subject that not many people like to discuss, which is a narrative we all need to work on changing. I’m proud to be a board member and this miles challenge is just one way that individuals can help support a great local non-profit organization. The WCCAC is a sanctuary for the innocent, a place where healing begins. By supporting their mission, you’re not just giving; you’re giving back a future – a future free from fear and filled with promise.”

Casey also highlighted the work McLean has done at the center. McLean recently attended the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Rural Convening in Montana to discuss the role that community support and local partnerships play in sustaining the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center services. Her presentation highlighted the remarkable support provided by Warren County organizations and businesses, with a special emphasis on the WCCAC’s membership with the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry (WCCBI).

Casey said McLean is an important part of those local partnerships.

“Every contribution can help continue their vital work and ensure that every child has a chance to thrive,” Casey said. “I say ‘they’ because it truly does take a village, but Melissa McLean is the fearless woman behind the operations. She’s a silent hero who deserves special recognition. Not only am I taking this challenge to support the kids, but I’m doing it for her. She shouldn’t have to choose between buying supplies for the kids she helps or paying her employee, nor should she have to add extra stress to her plate in fundraising alone. Even $10 goes a long way.”